“I believe in signs from the Universe, so when the borders closed in early 2020 and my GTR (Global Travel Retail) Promotion Business suddenly ended, (almost 20 years to the day I started it !) You really couldn’t get a bigger ‘Sign’ than that !! So I knew… It’s now time do what I love, and what I had trained to do!
Studio Queen 318 is a long-awaited business dream that came to life at a time when most people were not looking to take risks. A risk that Stella Petrou, Designer, Artist and Founder of the business, had the courage to take. Although it hasn’t been easy at times, Studio Queen 318 has become one of the most rewarding journeys.
If you’ve been following the business on social media, you’ll see the stunning creations of Studio Queen 318. Leather handcrafted bags and accessories, and stunning works of art populate Studio Queen 318’s feed. With every stitch telling a story, through ancient tools, artisan techniques and material sourced from different parts of the world, a piece bought is a piece of Stella, and piece of history.
When inspiration meets creation
Studio Queen 318 brings gorgeous designs, ideas and creations into vivid reality with artisan handbags and limited prints from original water colours and gouache.
Leather hasn’t always been a creative outlet for Stella, having studied Visual Arts in the 80s and mastering many different mediums, so discovering leather 15 years ago was an absolutely amazing ‘epiphany’! Her biggest joy was acquiring traditional techniques through the Queensland Leather Crafters Association, and attending the world class ‘Dimensions in Leather’ Conferences held in Brisbane biannually.
Cheryl McIntyre, the president, major organiser, and promotor of leather craft, fed a burning desire for Stella to go back to her Artistic roots. Whilst print making, ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture and Art History had almost faded into the background of a distant past, Leather Craft had begun to bring it all back… and ‘Studio Queen 318’ was born! Allowing Stella to take her new energy, old knowledge, and turn this beloved hobby into a business.
After 20 years of working in travel retail promoting world famous Luxury brands, Stella took a big step in sharing her wonderful art and creations with the world. Her choice to use leather as one of the main materials is due to her interest and fascination with the nature and history of this intrinsic ancient material.
A business founded on elegance, strength and individuality
Inspired by artisans throughout history, Studio Queen 318’s entire business name and concept is founded on elegance, individuality and strength.
Studio Queen 318 is positively influenced by artisans, role models and teachers who have woven throughout Stella’s life. As a Designer, strong women, especially Stella’s mother who worked hard all of her life, have inspired the work that Studio Queen 318 represents and creates. Whenever faced with challenges, Stella reflects back on inspirational stories and guidance of these women to push on through.
To Stella, a Queen is someone who evokes poise, style and elegance, while still maintaining their individuality. This business vision carries on to whoever owns one of its creations, so they too can feel like a Queen. A concept that inspires strength, character, authenticity, and individuality to every owner.
The Studio
A place where contemporary meets vintage-inspiration, and history is renewed
Studio Queen 318’s studio is a place where ancient tools, vintage materials and stunning creations come to life. And was entirely built by hand by Stella herself!
Located under the house, the studio is an imaginative and inspirational space that ignites passion and imagination. If you were to visit, you would walk into a leather-scented creative workspace filled with soft light, a tidy work desk, and shelves filled with vintage materials and pe-loved tools. The smell of leather emulating in the air. As you look to the left, you’ll find an exquisite looking bathroom with a large bathtub to match. Hanging over the bath is one of Stella’s proudest works of art – The Queen.
Everything within this studio was envisioned, built and created by Studio Queen’s multi-talented Designer and Artist. Every screw, shelf and storage cabinet reflects Studio Queen’s vintage-inspired and contemporary styled character.
Studio Queen 318 will continue to create inspiring pieces and works of art that capture the hearts of its customers.
A risk worth taking
If you’ve followed the business on social media, you’ll see there is no stopping Stella’s creativity. Using her one and only “Stella Power”, you can be sure there will be no sign of her stopping or slowing down in the future.
All risks come with reward, and as Studio Queen 318 continues to create stunning pieces and works of art that evoke style and individuality, it’s clear this was a risk definitely worth taking.